Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

On Friday, 16 October, St Bernard’s College proudly celebrated our graduating Year 12s with a day of joy, gratitude and traditions old and new.

The day began with the customary shirt signing and sausage sizzle, as students collected signatures from their peers and teachers. It was wonderful to see the cohort coming together and creating these special shared mementos for each other.

The entire College then came together in the O’Brien Centre Gymnasium as our Year 12s and their families celebrated one last whole-school assembly, presenting key awards and reflecting on the past six years of education. A highlight of the day came from Daniel (Year 7) and Isaac (Year 12), two brothers who offered a moving reflection on College life from both ends of the journey.

College Captain Sam delivered a stirring farewell address, reminding us all of the importance of mateship and leaving our graduates with three key messages: "look after yourself, never forget to have fun, and above all else, look after your mates."

Sam's heartfelt speech was the perfect lead-in to our new tradition of singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, a rite of passage that reminds our Year 12s that they will always be Bernard’s Boys, and always have the support of our community.

In the evening, students and their families gathered at St Monica’s Church, very close to the original St Bernard's campus on The Strand in Moonee Ponds. Students received their graduation certificates before joining together for a special Mass celebrated by Fr Bernie Lane. The celebrations continued at the Valedictory Dinner held at the Victoria Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds—a fitting finale to a memorable day.

We extend our deepest thanks to our staff, our families, our Welcoming Community Group, and all who contributed to such a memorable occasion. We wish our graduates all the best as they return for final study and prepare for their exams.

To the Class of 2026, we are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations, good luck, and remember: you’ll never walk alone.